โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
45
minutes
Domestic โ International
90
minutes
International โ Domestic
90
minutes
International โ International
120
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ), often referred to as the 'Gateway to the Desert,' is a modern and highly efficient regional aviation facility serving the Drรขa-Tafilalet region of Morocco. The airport operates from a single, compact passenger terminal building designed to facilitate both domestic travel and international seasonal charters. It is uniquely positioned just 3 miles (5 km) from the city center, famously located near the Atlas Film Studios and the historic Kasbah of Aรฏt Benhaddou, often called the 'African Hollywood.'
The terminal infrastructure provides a range of essential amenities for travelers, including multiple cafรฉs and snack bars serving traditional Moroccan pastries and hot beverages in both the landside and airside zones. Passengers have access to a well-stocked duty-free shop in the departure area, alongside several souvenir stalls offering local handicrafts and pottery. For added convenience, the facility features free high-speed Wi-Fi, multiple ATMs, and currency exchange bureaus, ensuring a comfortable environment for visitors transitioning to the Sahara Desert.
Ground transportation to central Ouarzazate is exceptionally quick, with authorized 'Petit Taxis' (distinguished by their peach color) available directly outside the terminal exit for a 10-minute journey. For longer regional transfers to desert camps or remote kasbahs, larger 'Grand Taxis' and several major car rental agencies maintain desks within the building. The airport is primarily served by Royal Air Maroc and Ryanair, providing critical links to Casablanca, Paris, and other European hubs while maintaining significantly faster processing times than the country's larger international airports.
๐ Connection Tips
Ouarzazate Airport (OZZ) is the primary gateway to the Sahara Desert and the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs' in Morocco. Ground transport is efficient; 'Petit Taxis' (small taxis) are plentiful outside arrivals and take only 10 minutes to reach central Ouarzazate for a fare of roughly 50 MAD The airport is also a clean staging point for road trips toward the Dades Valley and the edge of the High Atlas, so the landing itself is often just the first scenic leg of the journey.
Major car rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar) have desks inside the arrivals hall, which is the highly recommended way to explore the Atlas Mountains and the Draa Valley. There is no direct public bus service serving the terminal Four-wheel-drive rentals matter here because the best routes head toward the Dades and Todra gorges, where the road surface and mountain weather can change quickly after arrival.
The terminal is modern and handles regular domestic flights to Casablanca and seasonal international charters to Europe. Arrive 2 hours early for all departures. Facilities include several excellent cafes and souvenir shops selling local Berber crafts Morning departures are the least stressful because desert winds are calmer and the terminal is small enough that even short queues can feel tighter once the day warms up.
โฐ Minimum Connection Times
Domestic โ Domestic
40
minutes
Domestic โ International
70
minutes
International โ Domestic
70
minutes
International โ International
90
minutes
Interline Connections
120
minutes
๐ข Terminal Information
Mohammed V International Airport operates two main terminals connected by an automated internal train system. Terminal 1 primarily handles international and Royal Air Maroc operations, while Terminal 2 serves domestic, regional, and some international flights. The internal train system provides free transfers between terminals and takes approximately 3-4 minutes, with trains running every few minutes.
Terminal 1 is the larger, more modern facility with extensive check-in areas on the ground level and departures accessed via escalators. Security screening involves multiple checkpoints with separate lanes for different flight types. Wait times can vary significantly, ranging from 15-25 minutes during normal periods to 45 minutes or more during peak times, especially for international departures. The terminal features long concourses, so walking times from security to the furthest gates can reach 15-20 minutes.
Passport control is required for all international flights, with separate booths for Moroccan nationals, EU/Schengen citizens, and other foreign nationals. The airport processes a high volume of European traffic, particularly from France and Spain. Immigration for international arrivals occurs before baggage claim, with visa services available for eligible nationalities.
Both terminals feature extensive duty-free shopping with Moroccan crafts, argan oil products, traditional textiles, and international brands. Dining options include traditional Moroccan restaurants, international fast food, and numerous cafes. The Royal Air Maroc lounges in Terminal 1 provide premium services for eligible passengers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout both terminals, though connectivity can be inconsistent in some areas.
Ground transportation includes the ONCF airport express train service to Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port stations, providing direct connections to Casablanca city center and onward rail connections to Rabat and other Moroccan cities. Taxis, buses, and rental car services are also available. Accessibility features include wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and elevator access, though some older areas may have limited accessibility.
๐ Connection Tips
Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) is one of the few African hub airports where the official transit process is spelled out quite clearly, and that helps a lot when you are making a same-day connection. ONDA's airport guidance says the international transit zone is accessed through Terminal 1 after you pass through the airline's transit service, while the domestic transit area is accessed through Terminal 2. Royal Air Maroc separately tells transit passengers to follow the ground markings, pass the police filter, and check screens again before heading to the next gate. In practice, that means CMN rewards passengers who follow the airport's routing system rather than trying to improvise a shortcut.
The airport is also large enough that you should not confuse connected terminals with instant transfer CMN handles a significant Royal Air Maroc hub bank, passport and police controls can add time, and some connections involve moving between the airport's domestic and international processes rather than just walking to the next gate. If you are ticketed on one itinerary with RAM or a partner, stay inside the formal transit flow and verify whether your baggage is checked through. If you are on separate tickets, assume a landside process unless the airline tells you otherwise.
CMN is also useful if your onward journey continues by rail rather than by plane. ONDA states that the ONCF train station sits in the basement of Terminal 1 and offers direct service to Casa Voyageurs and Casa Port. That makes CMN a practical air-to-rail handoff point, but only if your arrival is early enough for the train schedule. For late-night arrivals, have a taxi or private transfer plan ready instead of assuming the rail link will still be running.
โ Back to Ouarzazate Airport